Limit timing mechanism



Aprfl 16, 1935. R. sMITH 'LIMIT TIMING MECHANISM Original Fil ed Nov. 17, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 x w m x April 16, 1935. R. D. SMITH LIMIT TIMING MECHANISM Original Filed Nov. 17, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 NEMT DR Re. 19,539 v A ril 16, 1935'. R. D. SMITH LIMIT TIMING MECHANISM Original Filed Nov. 17, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 1935- IYQ. D. SMITH I Re. 19,539

LIMIT TIMING MECHANISM Original Filed Nov. 17, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 A ril 16, 1935. R. D. SMITH Re. 19,539

LIMIT TIMING MECHANISM Original Filed Nov. 17, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Reissued Apr. 16, 1935 i Re,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIMIT TIlVIING MECHANISM Raymond D. Smith, Fairfield, Conn., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Tremont Products Corporation, Boston, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Original No. 1,869,519, dated August 2, 1932, Serial No. 675,419, November 17, 1923. Application for reissue August 1, 1934, Serial No. 738,009

69 Claims. (01. 200-39) This invention relates to switch timer mechathe timer unit as a whole mounted thereupon, nism generally similar to that described in my coafter the timer unit and front box cover of Fig. pending application Serial No. 642,496, filed May 11 have been removed.

31, 1923, and embodies modifications and im- Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the back box provements relating to timer mechanism in gencover showing the switch mechanism as a whole eral for this and difierent purposes as exmounted thereupon, after the timer unit and emplified, for instance, in the disclosure in my front box cover of Fig. 11 have been removed. co-pending application 616,549, which on July Figs. 14 to 23 show'diagrammatically different 24, 1934 issued into U. S. Patent Serial No. positions of the novel switch indicator parts and 1,967,270, the present improvements relating more are more particularly described hereinafter. particularly to the timing 'mechanism and con- Fig. 24 is a view showing certain of the parts of trols therefor whether the device to be actuated Fig. 4 on a larger scale. under time control is an electric switch, a valve, Fig. 25 is a view on the same scale as to size or other device, or flow control. as Fig. 4 and is taken on the vertical plane 25-45 15 In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front view of the in Fig. 24 looking in the direction of the arrows. complete switch and timer mechanism with the Fig. 26 is a view of similar scale to Fig. 25 taken front box cover and the control handles reon the vertical plane 26-26 in Fig. 24 looking in moved, certain of the parts being partially broken the direction of the arrows.

away for clearness and one part shown in sec- Figs. 27 to 29 inclusive show different operative 20 tion on the plane |I in Fig. 24. positions of the detent mechanism carried by the Fig. 2 shows the switch indicator dial deinsulating base of the switch which mechanism tached. stations and gives a snap action to the switch Fig. 3 shows the blind for the switch indicator contacts as operated by hand.

dial detached. Throughout the drawings different views of 25 Fig. 4 is a side view looking from the right at the same part are designated by the sanf refer- Fig. 1 showing controls for the siwtch and timer, ence numeral. the complete housing and certain portions of the The frame parts for the timer mechanism commechanism appearing in central, vertical section. prise the front box cover In and clock plate ll Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the connected and spaced by four posts I 2 riveted to 30 p w and the ratchet Wheel by which the time the box cover and the threaded rear ends of which movement impels the timing cams when the latter are engaged by nuts I 3 to retain the clock plate. are readjusted to perform a less period of run Extending between the front box cover Ill and than that for which the main spring of the time clock plate I] are three shafts Hi, I! and I8. movement has been wound and shows also the Shaft l6 at its front end is recessed for bearin flip stop and pin driving connection between the on the stud l4 riveted to the box cover It! and cam drivin ear and i shaft wher by said main at its rear end is journaled in the clock plate I spring is wound. and has a square hole engaging the squared ter- F 6 shows h sw ki m ni m minus of winding spindle IQ of the time moveand s taken in section On t e plane 5 in 4 ment and turns therewith. Shaft ll afiords a looking in the direction of the arrows. bearing for the On-action timing cam 20 and Fi 7 is a p p v vi w f th r r 0ff-action timing cam 2| together with the parts for the time movement. gear 24 whichisflanked by the two ratchet wheels 8 i a w s ar to ig- 7 Showi g a '22 and 23 keyed to respectively opposite sides of modified construction. said'gear to turn fixedly with it on the shaft I1. F 9 is a v w in p r p ive showing a fur- Gear 24 meshes with pinion 25 on the shaft l6 ther modified form of starting mechanism. and thereby turns in fixed relation to winding Fig. 10 is a front exterior view of the switch spindle 19 of the clock movement. timer enclosed, the controls being positioned to The shaft l8 affords a stationary pivot for the accord with Fig. 1. On-action timer lever 26 and the Ofi-action CJ Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9, the controls lever 21 co-operating respectively with cams 20 being shown as when the switch is On and and 2|, and slightly spaced apart by the separattensioned, or cocked, for automatic circuit-breaking washer 29,-the thrust collars 28 and 30 being ing action under control of the timer. pressed tightly on to knurled or roughened por- Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the intions of the shaft I8 to act as end thrusts with W terio'r of the front box cover and box sides and enough clearance provided to permit free turning of the timer levers, normally urged to their positions asin Fig.1 by a spring 3|, in which positions the end portions 32 and 33 of the timer levers strike respectively against two of the posts I2, I2, which serve as positioning stops therefor.

As each of cams and 2| operates similarly and are correspondingly constructed their corresponding parts are indicated by the same numeral respectively primed and unprimed, and description of one of these cams and its associated parts will. make plain the construction and functions of both. The cam 25 is a solid disc having a smooth periphery and turns loosely upon the shaft II as propelled by the ratchet wheel 22, through engagement of its teeth by the pawl member pivoted to stud 35 in the cam and fixedly ca y ng a hardened steel blade 31 extending through an opening 39 in the cam and projecting on the other side thereof for engagement with.

teeth of ratchet wheel 22.

The ratchet-engaging ,edge of pawl blade 31 is urged against the ratchet teeth by spring 55 and seats securely in same so thatwhen undisturbed, the ratchet wheel 22 propels the cam 25 positively in a contra-clockwise direction in Fig. l and Fig. 5;ratchet wheel 22 being so driven by the winding spindle I 5 of the clock movement through the medium of shaft l5 and gears 25 and 24. As it is usual practice in standardized clock movements to provide such gear ratio in the time train that the winding spindle such as I9 makes one rotation in approximately six hours, by making the gear 24 about twice the diameter of gear 25, the ratchet wheel 22 and thereby the cam 2|! canbe caused torotate once in twelve hours which is a suitable maximum interval of time for most uses to which my improved interval timer is likely to be put. It will be-understood, of course, that this time interval can be increased or decreased at will by providing different ratios of the gears 24 and 25.

Hand operation and rotative adjustment of cam 2| independently of gear 25 and the time movement, is effected through the medium of a trip with a forwardly bent tongue 4| having slightly lost-motion engagement with an opening 42' through the wall of cam 2|. By means of this lost motion, opposite extremity 34' of trip 45 is enabled to press against the rearwardly turned ear 33' of pawl member 35' acting thus to force the pawl blade 31' upwardly and out of enga ement with the ratchet teeth when it is desired to turn cam 2| to the right independently of ratchet wheel 23. This same action takes .place between "On" trip 45, On pawl 35 and ratchet wheel 22.

Trip 45 is fixedly carried on the rear, flatted end of shaft I! to the forward flatted end of which the "Off pointer 43 is secured having the wing handle 44 mounted fixedly to turn therewith by screw 45 which removably secures the Trip 45 is carried on the flatted, inner end of hub 41 and engages with an opening 42 in the wall of cam 25 and with the pawl 35, in a way similar to trip 45 relative to cam 2|. Fixed to the forward end of hub 41 exterior of the casing isthe "On pointer having the forwardly turned operating ear 49 which is a means for adjusting the cam 25 in either direction on the circle in the same way that cam 2| is adjusted by the pointer 43. Both the "01! trip 45 and On trip have a lower terminal projection adapted to engage respectively with the shiftable stop levers 5| and 55 pivoted on reduced shoulder portions of me shaft l3 and limited in their swing by tongues 52, 53 on the front box cover and by similarly 'located tongues 54 and 55 on the clock plate.

Stop levers 55 and 5| are thus made shiftable to aiford a full circleor more of travel to the timing cams 25 and 2|.

Whereas in former constructions, the On" pointer ear 43 has served as stop means for the Off pointer through engagement therewith by Oif"pointer 43, itself,the provision is here shown of separate stops for, both the "On" and "Qfi cam trips which renders the mechanisms free from dependence upon the time pointers for this function, the latter being exterior of the casing and exposed to more or less danger of damage. Whereas, also, in former constructions the end thrust for the various rotatable members on shaft H has been afforded by an accurate spacing of the frame parts such as the box front II, and the clock plate II, I have found it of good advantage in practice to provide the members assembled upon shaft H with self contained thrust means which in the illustrative example here shown may be afforded at the rear end by peening the shaft over upon the trip 45 forcing the latter up-tightly against the shoulder shown in Fig. 4 and subsequently pressing onto the forward end of shaft l1 the thrust collar 48 fitting loosely inside a counterbore in the front end of hub 41 but pressing tightly onto a knurled or roughened portion of the shaft I'I whereby at the time of assemblage the desired amount of axial clearance may be attained by pressing collar 45 on a proper and selectable distance. This makes of the cam shaft and its carried members a unitary sub-assembly, it then being necessary after assemblage with the frame parts to provide only a thrust washer such as 51 peened onto the end of this shaft at the rear side of the clock plate.

Shaft ll carries a radial pin 53 adapted to engage a flip stop 52 mounted to swivel in a recess 54 in the side of gear 24 and limited in its swing by the edges of this recess 54, being retained therein by the ratchet wheel 22 (see Fig. 25) The flip stop 52 is the means by which the Off" pointer when turned clockwise in Figs. 1 and 5 winds up the clock spring 55 through the medium of shaft ll, pin 53, gear 24, pinion 25, and shaft |5 and which through the same connections prevents the clock spring from running down beyond a fixed point represented by the position of parts in Figs. 1 and 10 where the Off pointer is positioned opposite a stationary casing mark 55 (see 8. 10)

It will be understood, however, that after any initial winding of spring 55 through the rotative impelling engagement of pin 53 and flip stop 52, the rotary member comprised of gear 24 and the two ratchet wheels 22 and 23 fixed thereto may be left stationary except for its very gradual re turn motion as effected by running of the time movement under power of spring 55, and either or both of cams 25 and 2| may be manually returned toward zero position any desired amount, and if left at some point intermediate zero and the position to which they werev initially turned in winding the movement, they are nevertheless immediately and continuously impelled back to zero from such position by running of the time movement because of the fact that when trips 45 or 45 are unimpeded in their travel, the'pawls 31 and 31] will always seat in the nearest tooth of ratchet wheels 22 and 23 respectively, which engagementconstitutes the. usual means of cou-.

pling the cams 28 and II to the time movement for performing'their timing function. Thereby is afforded the means for reducing or cancelling any initial time setting of cams 28 and 2| by means of pointer handles 48 or 34 without waiting for the time movement to play out the full amount of run for which it is initially energized.

A time computing dial 61 is rotatable on the front face of the box cover by means of a finger piece 88 and frictionally retained at different positions in which it is set by a cup shaped spring washer 89, bearing between dial 61 and thefront box cover III.

The simple timer movementemployed includes the main spring 85, connected at its outer end to one of clock frame posts 10 which connect frame plates 19, there being four of these posts, by the projecting ends of which the clock movement as a whole is mounted loosely on the clock plate II. clamps the plate I I against the shoulder on posts 18 but the movement retaining shouldered nut I85 is of greater length from its end to its head than is the thickness of plate I I and the diameter of its shank is smaller than the hole in plate II through which it extends sothat when nut I85 is screwed down tightly against nut I48 enough looseness exists and consequent possible shifting of the time movement as a unit relative to plate I I to accommodate without strain or binding any slight deviation from true axial alignment of winding spindle I 8 with the hub of gear 25 which it must tightly engage at its squared terminus to prevent any looseness in the operative coupling of gear 25 with spindle I9.

The inner end of main spring 88 is anchored as usual to a projection (not shown) on the winding spindle III to which in ordinary movement construction is fixedly securedthe ratchet wheel 1| engaging with the spring pressed pawl 12 carried on the side of the largest gear 13 of the clock train, The balance wheel of the escapement is shown at 14, hair spring at 15 and balance wheel spindle at 16. Acasing 58 for the movement is secured by screws 88..

A rotary snap switch of ordinary construction is shown at 82 secured to the back cover I82 of the box by screws III) and spaced forwardly by collars II". The square barrel, or hub, 83, of the rotatable switch blade structure carries, as usual, the contact blades 85 adapted to engage contact clips 85 secured by binding; posts 86 mounted on the switch body 82, of porcelain or other insulating material. Barrel 83 also carries the double ended stop arm 81 adapted to engage at its extremities with timer levers 26 and 21, at times to be retained and released thereby. Central of the barrel 83 and projecting'from its end, is the usual actuating shaft 88, which through action of the torsional spring 88 tensioned between barrel 83 and shaft 88 and in connection with the well-known star and sliding detent mechanism shown in Figs. 27, 28 and 29 at the base of barrel 83, causes the blades to perform intermittent snap movements around the circle between "On" and 011" positions, responsive to turning of the shaft 88.

In Figs. 27 to 29 is shown how at switch blades in this common form of rotary snap switch construction are capable of being so tensioned by advancemovement of the switch shaft that 1 they are "caused to perform an automatic half turn (andin two or more stagesif desired) in- Y stead or the'usual single quarter-turn whereby I am enabledto leave the switch so tensioned that The permament plain nut I46 tightly I a plurality of automatic escapements may be effected by the timer levers 26 and 21.

It will be suflicient for the clarity of this description to explain that the insulating base 82 of the switch may ,carry a stationary star plate I the points of which project out at equal radial distances from the center and which forms a bearing for the switch spindle 88. This spindle, which is a round rod throughout most of its length, may be notched to produce a flatted cross section at I36, whereon may be mounted and thereby keyed to the spindle or secured to turn fixedly therewith a circular cam Ill the center of which is eccentric to the axis of spindle 88. Arranged to surround, engage, and act as a fol-.

lower for said cam in thesameplane therewith is the freely slidable detent dog I31 which has a down turned finger end I38 extending into the plane of the adjacentstar plate I35 for engagement with the points thereof and is held in fixed rotative relation to the switch contact rotor 83 -by guide lugs carried by said rotor and shown spring 88, the action of cam Ill'in Fig. 21 is to drawdog finger I38 radially inwardly, since rotation of the parts in a clockwise direction is prevented by one of the four projecting points on the star plate I35. This brings about and'establishes the switch contact rotor always in one of the four possible stations of rest inasmuch as the permitted inward travel of dog finger I38 toward the center is not sufficient to permit cam III to pass its dead center alignment with the direction of, pull of dog I38 inwardly against the edge of star plate I35. A quarter turn clockwise of spindle 88 and the cam MI produces the position of parts in Fig. 28, whereupon occurs the usual quarter turn snap action of the switch rotor to the next tooth of star plate I35 in a clockwise direction tofollow up the switch spindle unless the feeler levers 26 or Hate locked to hold the switch rotor (by means of switch arm 81) from such motion.

When so locked if the switch spindle 88 be then advanced clockwise an additional quarter turn,

making a half turn in all in advance of the switch of link or dog finger I38 in a radial direction. the

first quarter turn still leaving the finger I38 free to escape the point of the star plate and the second quarter turn drawing the finger I38 back toward the center so that it will engage the next star plate point.

Means are required, however, to catch and hold the switch shaft in its advanced, tehsioned position until such time as the switch arm 81 is released ,by'the timing lever 26 or 21 and for this purpose I here provide the switch shaft 88 with an extension 98 adapted. at its end to take the usual switch operating button I85 and having a squared portion on which is mounted the catch cam i. This is capable of being retained in proper and variable rotative position by the v cocking pawl 92, pressed by spring 00 into engagement with it and pivoted on the adjuster plate 03 which is secured by a hub. eyelet to be rotatively adiustable on. the switch side of bracket 04 (see Fig. 6), which straddles the switch and is screwed or riveted at each of its ends to the back cover I02 of the box. Plate .02 is retained in its adjusted rotative position by the screw I I I passing in bracket 94 without removing this bearing or separating from each other the parts of the switch cocking mechanism when removing the timer unit to expose the switch for wiring or other purposes.

Swith arm 0'I'carries the switch indicator dial 90 in back of bracket 04 and shaft extension 00 carries the cooperating blind 01 in front of bracket 04, both being visible in part through the window 99 in front box cover I0.

. Attention is called to the construction of the box or casing wherein the back cover I02 carries'the forwardly projecting bracket I03 with knockouts H4 for the electric conduit I50 so that the latter may be fastened in place at the time the switch is wired even though the other parts of the box containing the timer 'mechanism are removed. In Fig. 13 the conduit is shown in place with lead wires IGI extending from same and connected to the switch binding posts. The sides I51 of the box are spot welded to the front cover I0 to form the timer-containing box cover and at their bottom these sides are tied together by a cross piece I50 which underlaps the bracket I02 in assemblage thereby forming a complete enclosure,the assemblage of these box parts ensuring the coming together with suificient accuracy of operating relation of the switch arm by, themselves, dipping into notches I50 and I60 in cams 20 and 2|. When either of these cams is displaced from its position as determined by stop levers 50 and 5| intercepting trips 40 and 40, by turning of time pointers-50 or 43 clockwise to set the time, timer levers 25 and 21 become thereby blocked and can not yield-acting there- 0 upon to restrain switch arm 01 and the contacts from rotating, so that the switch button upon being" turned clockwise as though to throw the will merely be caught and held by catch 0| pawl 02 leaving the switch tensioned for automatic follow-up action when the time movement one or both of the time cams backto {their normal stop determined position. It will-be seen thatin tbisnormal position the engagementoffiip stop 02 with shaft pin 02 will prevent runningdownof the movement.

thus keepingther-inain spring. 05 at or above a predetermined tension which'il increased by set-,

ting, the time and played out a's the movement ppe'ratesjto-returnthe cams position.

starting of-thistimemovement when the time Isset to oonml'automatic erably shall not require an operation distinct from that of setting the time.

The starting disc 11 which is mounted fixedly to rotate with the cam shaft I1, and thereby with "0115- time pointer 40 and its operating handle 44, carries, oris itself bent to form, a spring finger adapted to swing in a path to engage the crank end 00 of the starter shaft 0| which extends forwardLv through an opening I05 in the clock plate II and which has bearing in holes in the clock frame plates I0. At a' central portion 0| the starter shaft II is offset to clear the balance wheel 14 of the movement and is flattened at I00 to key with a spring metal starter wiper I00 fixedly carried on thestarter shaft. A spring I01 keeps the crank end 00 of starter shaft 0| pressed upwardly against the top of opening I05 which normally positions the starter wiper to free the balance wheel I4. In turning the Off time pointer to the right to set the time; the disc TI is correspondingly rotated and its finger 10 immediately depresses the crank end 00 of the starter shaft swinging it against the resistance ofspring I01 until the arc of travel of spring finger 10 leaves the arc of travel of the starter shaft end 00, this travel occupying a very few degrees of movement of cam shalt I'I. spring I01 then snaps the crank arm 00 smartly upward causing wiper I00 to give the balance wheel a sharp rub and set it oscillating so that starting and continued operation of the timer movement is assured.

In returning to normal position as in Fig. l, this disc finger I0 is enabled to passthe crank end 00 of the shaft 8| by an ability to yield radially inwardly,finger 10 being formed as a cam to this effect. Thus the starter shaft is only tripped or brought into engagement with the balance wheel when the time handle 44 is moved to the right to set the time. I could obviously provide the disc I'I, or an equivalent member, with a plurality of fingers such as 10 spaced about its periphery with .the eifect that .the balance wheel would be kicked" more than once in thecourse of moving the time handle around the circle to set the time.

A modification of this starting mechanism is suggested in Fig. 8 where the crank wire I00 itself is formed to engage resiliently with the periphery of the balance wheel to perform a function similar to wiper I00. Again in Fig. 9 is shown how the starter .disc 'I'I may actuate one end of a crank wire I53 having 'two bearings in a bracket I54 and at its opposite end pressed thereby tangentially into engagement with some gear I55 sufiiciently sensitive in the train to readily act on the escapement wheel of the movement to set the latter inaction. It will be obvious there are many other variations of starting mechanism possible and means for-causing the same to receive actuation from the cam shaft II or some member can'ied thereby, or by any other desiredelement of the time setting system,all under the-novel principles hereinafter claimed.

The operation of the co-operating switch indicator dial and blind will next be described. Details of these two parts'are shown respectively in Figs. 2 and 3. 0n the switch dial 00,1 preferably color either the background or the wording differently in different sections as shown. For inv the form illustrated, the solid black area ofithe indicator represents "a black backgroundand the shaded area a red background-.- the letters onbo'th backgrounds being preferably factthatin a time this of cplonsuchas silver or white that will be rotated forwardly to correspondand that the switch-indicator will be moved only when ."the-switch contacts themselves snap forward to perform a circuit change.

The said switch shaft, when not so separated to tension the contacts for snap action, assumes a definite position relative thereto, and in this position I may shape and arrange the switch blind 81 to cover up the switch indicator, being held relatively in arrear, will bring about a relation of the blind 91 and dial 98, causing the word "On or OfP', as the case may be, to appear on a red background in the window 98, as in Figs. 17 to 20 inclusive.

Recalling that cocking of the switch for time control, in the particular construction herein disclosed, involves setting the switch button IIM half a circle in advance of the blades 84 for double automatic action (from fOfl position to Oniand then to Off again) and involves only a quarter turn for single automatic action (from On position to Oil only) the relative positions of these parts as shown in the series of diagrammatic views inFigs. 14 to 23 inclusive will be obvious from the following brief description of these figures, it being noted that red, or whatever distinguishing means is employed, cannot appear in the window unless the switch is cocked and under control of the timer, and that the switch cannot be cocked and put under control of the timer without causing red thus to show in the window.

y In Figs. 23 and 15 the switch is in normal circuit-breaking position. In Figs. 14 and 16' in normal circuit-breaking position. In Fig. 17 the switch from position in Fig. 23 has been tensioned for single time controlled action and upon so acting will assume the position in Fig. 14.

In Fig. 18 the switch from position in' Fig. 14

has been tensioned for double time controlled action and upon the first action will assume the position in Fig. 19 and upon second action will assume the position in Fig. 16. In Fig. 19'the switch from the position in Fig. 15 has been tensioned for single time controlled action and upon soacting, will assume the f-DOSitlOD. in Fig. 16. In Fig. 20 the switch from position in Fig. 16 has been tensioned for double time controlled action and upon the first action will assume the.

position in Fig. 17 and upon the second action will assume the position in Fig. 14.

Due to a-peculiarity of some common forms of commercial snap switch mechanism, it is possible, from causes other than the engagement of catch 8| by pawl 82,-that the button I84 be caught and heldand at a less distance in advance of its normal'On position than is required to operatively tension the switch for circuit-break-" ing action. In this case a condition will result as shown in Figs. 21 and 22 where the blind has not traveled the entire quarter circle necessary to clear the window. In such case I may advantageously provide markings such as the word ,Turn on the blind to indicate to the uninformed operator that the button should be turned further to the right to properly tension the. switch for timed action. It will be noted that here neither the word On nor "Of!" is visible, the blind obscuring the entire part of the indicator which otherwise would be visible in the window.

Obviously, all forms of starting mechanism herein disclosed are applicable to ordinary one day alarm clocks whereby the mere act of winding the clock would insure its starting without shaking the clock afterwinding as is now commonly resorted to.

In none of the following claims is limitationto be ascribed to the exact constructions herein illustrated beyond such interpretation of the claimed combinations as is required to define true and useful novelty over prior accomplishments. in-

this art. The present improvements are useful and applicable in time controlled devices otherthan electric switches and are not to be understood as limited thereto. The application of the novel indicator principles herein disclosed would be obvious, for instance, in gas valve timing devices such as disclosed in the applicant's United States Letters Patent, Serial Nos.- 1,348,758; 1,385,098; and 1,468,580; In such application, the combination dial 88 and blind 81, or some modifled forms thereof or equivalents therefor might indicate not only whether the gas valves were open or-closed but would tell also whether, or not, it were, tensioned for action and under control of the timer.

I claim:- V

1. 'In a flow timer, in combination; time-setting means, a flow governor, an actuator for said governor separate from said means and arranged for movement to establish said governor under time control, a signal shifting in response to mo ement of said governor to indicate the flow aifecting position thereof, and further conditioned by movement of said actuator also'to indicate whether saidfgovernor is under time'control.

2. In a flow timer, in combination; time-setting means; a flow governor, an actuator for-said govemor separate from said means and arranged for movement to establish said governor under time control, a signal shifting in response-to movement of said governor to indicate the flow aifecting' position thereof, and additional indicating means uni-directional rotary flow governor having a flow aii'ecting member tensionable to efiect its time controlled action and similarly positionable both when and when not so tensioned, indicator meansoperativeindependent of said time control mech- ,anism and showing the flow afl'ecting position of said member, and further indicating whether or not said, member isten sioned for time control.

'4. III/combination with a.flow timer a casing'concealep flow governor, an actuator movable both with and relative to said governor and operable from the outside of said casing, and signalmeans visible from outside said casing indicating the position ofsaid govemor and differently conditioned respectively by movements of said actuator with and relative to said governor.

5. In combination with an enclosing housing for a time control unit said housing comprising separable and conjoined body and cover sections, a device to be enclosed by said housing when assembled and to be conditioned for automatic time controlled action and carried by said body section,

timing mechanism to be likewise enclosedby said housing and carried by said cover section, and

, co-operating mechanical parts belonging respectively with said device and with said timing mechanism, said parts being movable between definite normal positions and being constantly biased to some one 01 saidpositions, the operative relation 01' said parts and their relative positioning as carried by said difierent housing sections being such that assemblage of said sections brings said parts into their designed operating relation irrespective 01' which of their normal positions they occupy at the time of such assemblage,

6. In a timing mechanism embodying a spring. driven time movement and a time setting handle, connections enabling said handle to be operatively impelled by said movement in manually variable relation thereto, and connections between said movement and said setting handle whereby actuation of the latter energizes and starts said movement.

7. In timing a spring driven timing movement, means to stop said movement'andlimit the running-down of its driving spring, and, a handle to wind up said spring together with means to set said movement in action, said means being operated by said handle when the latter moved to wind up said spring. I r

8. In a timing mechanism embodying a time movement adapted to stop running at the expiration of the interval to be timed, a handle to reset said movement for further timing action and thereafter propellable by said movement, and means operated by said first means to set the movement in operation again.

9. In a timing mechanism embodying a marine movement, a handle connected to wind up and pre determine the timing action of said movement and propellable afterward thereby, and mechanism operated by said handle and acting upon an element of said movement to insure the starting at same.

10. In a timing mechanism, the combination with'a main spring, and a train connected balance wheel, or a winding arbor for said spring, an arbor propelled setting handle for. tin-hing the said arbor and winding the said main spring, and means operated-by said setting handle for starting the balance wheel of said train swinging.

11. n a time switch, in combination, time setting m ans, 9. switch contact, an actuator for said contact separate from said means and arranged for movement to establish said contact under time control, a signal having respectively diiierent portions thereof exposed by successive movements of said contact to indicate the circuit aifecting position of said contact and means operated by movement of said actuator to further influence what portions of said signal shall be exposed.

12. A timing mechanism embodying a spring driven time movement conditionable to complete a cycle of action, a device the setting of which both winds said movement and determines the duration of said cycle, and connections between said I device and movement whereby the movement is set in operation when it is being wound.

13. In a timing mechanism, an indicator movable in unison with the device to be timed, an actuator movable to establish said device under control of the timing mechanism, and a blind movable in unison with the said actuator to conceal and expose respectively different portions of said indicator.

14. In a timing mechanism in combination; a time giving movement embodying a train of timing gears mounted between frame plates, a support on which said movement is loosely mounted for limited shitting of position, agitating mechanism to start said movement in operation and carried by the said frame plates and having an operating extension, actuating devices mounted on said support and adapted to engage said operating extension, and means on said support to engage with said operating extension thereby to help position thesame for accurate cooperation with said actuating device.

15; In a time controlled fiow governor, in combination, an indicator dial having a plurality oi segments marked respectively to indicate difl'erent flow ailecting conditions of said governor, each of said segments having a radially inward portion differently marked from a radially outward portion in the same segment, and means to expose one of said portions of the segment while the other is concealed and vice versa to indicate'respectively difierent conditions oi said governor.

16. In a double action returnable timer mechanism, a spring driven timing movement, timer rest, operating handles to move said cams in the opposite direction and to relatively position them ior individually selective periods of travel back,

to their said normal positions, and two independent stops acting respectively to arrest each of said camsby opposing its return travel as caused by said movement when said cam has been returned to its normal position by said timing movement.-

17. In a double action resettable timer, two separately adjustable time settingpointers concentrically pivoted, a handle upstanding from one of said pointers for independently manipulating same in all positions and formed to prevent the travel of the other pointer therepast, and a handle formed for independent manipulation of said other pointer and in no way interferingwith the travel 01' said first pointer. z'

18. In a timing device, a spring driven time movement, an arbor for winding the spring of said movement, and means actuatable by the winding movement of said arbor to set said move-- verse direction to its said position, and mechanism to set said timer movement in operation and actuated by the said displacement of said timer.

21. In combination, a time movement, starting mechanism arranged normally to free the same and operative when actuated to agitate said movement for starting, a timer impellable in one direction by said movement and operative to actuate said starting mechanism when moved in the reverse direction.

22. A starting mechanism for a time movement embodying in combination, a reciprocating wiper spring-urged to a-position to free the active parts of said movement, and movable against the action of said spring into engagement with one of said parts, an actuator for so moving said wiper and impellable by said movement but inoperative upon said wiper when so impelled. I

23. In timing mechanism in combination with a time movement and its winding handle, mechanism to agitate and set in operation said movement and including an operating projection, an actuating projection movable into engagement with said operating projection by said winding handle, said two projections engaging and passing each other in both directions of relative travel but operatingsaid mechanism to agitate the movement only when said handle is turned to wind the movement.

I 24. In timing mechanism, atime movement a marine escapement and an oscillatory balance wheel, a pivoted wiper ridable into wiping engagement with said balance wheel to start said movement and spring urged out of such engagement, a crank arm for moving said wiper, an actuator for said wiper including a projection whose arc of travel intersects the arc of travel of said crank arm whereby said crank arm and said projection may engage and escape to operate the former in one direction of passing, said actuator being propellable by said movement in the other direction of passing.

25. In combination, a manually operable device and mechanism to time an automatic action thereof, a separable two part casing in one part of which said mechanism is mounted and in the other part of which said device is mounted, and means to establish said device under tension to effect its said automatic action, said means being carried bythe part of said casing on which said device is mounted and separable therewith from the other part of said casing.

26. In timing mechanism, a main timing arbor, a movement impelled gear rotatable. on said arbor and flanked on both sides by ratchet teeth, separately rotatable timer discs positioned on respectively opposite sides of said gear adjacent said ratchet teeth, rigid pawl members pivotally mounted on the sides of each of said discs opposite said ratchet teeth and extending through an aperture in each of said discs for protrusion on the ratchet teeth sides of said discs and engaging said ratchet teeth, and trip members having lost motion propelling engagement with said discs and operating on said pawl members at the sides of said d s to which said pawls are pivoted thereby to rele e said pawls from said ratchet teeth for adjusting the time setting of said discs relative to said gear.

27. In timing mechanism, in combination, a main timing arbor, a central movement-connected gear rotatable on said arbor, front and rear timing discs separately rotatable on opposite sides of said gear and coupled thereto by pawl and ratchet drive connections, a rear trip member can'ied by said arbor at the rear of said rear timing disc for propelling same and operative when moved in one direction to uncouple the latters pawl and ratchet drive connection to said gear, a front trip'member loosely rotatable on said arbor at the front of said front timing disc for propelling same and.

operative when moved in one direction to am couple the latters pawl and ratchet drive connection to said gear, and separate time setting controls for manual operation of said two trips to adjust the latters coupled relation to said gear.

28. In timing mechanism, in combination, a casing therefor, concentric time setting handles exterior of said casing, concentric journals extending to the interior of said casing for transmitting the" action ofsaid handles to the mechanism, a rotatively adjustable dial carrying graduations for time measuring register with said handles, and a bushing held in an aperture in said casing and providing a radially interior bearing for said dial and a radially exterior bearing for said concentric journals.

29. In timing mechanism, in combination a casing therefor, a main timing arbor having bearing in the wall of said casing and carrying interior of said casing relatively rotatable timer parts provided with a fixed interior. thrust limit on said arbor, and said arbor carrying exterior of said casing operating controls for said timer parts and adjustable thrust means to regulate the axial play between said interior timer parts.

30. In a timing mechanism, the combination with a time movement including a main spring and a winding spindle connected to wind said spring when rotated in one direction and connected to retard the action of said spring in the opposite direction, of an operating handle having positive drive engagement with said spindle in the direction to wind said spring and rotatably displaceable from said drive engagement in the opposite direction, a flow control timer, and a releasable pawl-and-ratchet drive connection between said timer and said spindle, said timer being further connected to be positively impelled by said handle inbothdirections of rotation.

time setting pointer and spring winding handle having positive drive engagement with said spindle in the direction to wind said spring and rotatably displaceable from said drive engagement in the opposite direction to reduce the time setting without unwinding said spring, a flow control timer, and a releasable pawl-and-ratchet drive connection between said timer and said spindle, said timer being further connected to be positively impelled by said handle in both directions of rotation. i

32. In a double-action interval timer including a time movement having a power spring adapted to be wound' at each use of the timer, combined time setting and spring winding controls embodying a time graduated dial rotatively adjustable on the casing, a time pointer concentric with said dial and settable in register with the dial graduations to determine the interval 'of time before the first action of said timer, and

its timing action from connection to the winding spindle of a spring driven clock movement, an interval controlling handle connected positively to rotate said spindle to a selective time setting in a direction to wind the clock spring, a stop to termediate the time setting position of said clock spindle and the stop limited position thereof.

34. In an interval timing mechanism deriving its timing action from connection to the winding spindle of a spring-driven clock movement, a time setting handle connected positively to rotate said spindle in a direction to wind the clock spring, a

stop to limit the movement of said setting handle as driven by said clock spindle and thereby to the unwinding of said spring, and means aftording drive connection between said handle and said clock spindle in selective positions of said handle intermediate the setting of said clock spindle and the stop limited position thereof and comprising releasable connections causing said handle to be continuousiy returned to its stop limited position from said selective positions.

35. Double action interval-timing mechanism embodying in combination, a clock movement including its main spring and'winding spindle, a

gear on said spindle, a cam carrying shaft, a gear loose on said shaft and in mesh with said spindle gcana timing cam loosely rotatable on said shaft adjacent to said shaft gear, and pawl-and-ratchet connection between said shaft gear and said timing cam whereby the former impels the latter when rotatedhy said clock movement.

36. Double-action interval-timing mechanism embodying incombination, a clock movement ins. cluding its main spring and winding spindle, a

gear on said spindle, a cam carrying shaft, 9. gear loose on said shaft and'in mesh with said spindle gear, a timing cam loosely rotatable on said shaft adjacent to said shaft gear, and pawland-ratchet connection between said shaft gear and said timing cam whereby the former impels the latter when rotated by said clock movement, together with a cam adjusting handle having means rotatable therewith and giving lost motion engagement with said cam, and operative through limited movement, relative to said cam to disengage said pawl-and-ratchet connection.

3'7. In combination with a time movement, its power spring, the winding arbor therefor, and a pawl-and-ratchet connected time train positively retarding the spring driven movement of said arbor while freely permitting spring winding movement thereof, a device to be timed and tensionable for automatic action, a detent for controlling said action, a timer element impella ble by said time movement to condition said detent, and a time setting handle connected when moved in one direction positively to impel said timer lement and by a backlash giving connection to impel said winding arbor in its spring winding direction and when moved in the other direction also positively to impel said element but through the means of said backlash without corresponding movement of saidarbor, thereby to reduce the eifective time setting of said element without unwinding said power spring.

38. In a double-action interval timer including a time movement having a. power spring adapted to be wound at each use of the timer, combined time setting and spring winding controls embody ing a time graduated dial, a pointer operative to determine one interval of time and concentric with said dial to turn in register with the dial gradu'ations, and a second pointer operative to de- 7 termine another interval of time and concentrically tumable with the first said pointer to register with said graduations, both of said pointers having handles and one of said pointers having connections for winding said power spring.

39. In a timing mechanism, in combination, two flow controls, separate time setting pointer handles by which respectively to position said controls, a mark co-operating with said pointer handles to indicate the flow affecting position of said controls, graduations to gauge the extent of displacement of said controls from said position, motive means to impel said controls to said position, and releasable drive connection between said motive means and said controls whereby the former positively impels the latter, and a stop limiting the travel of said controls after reaching their flow afiecting' position.

40. In a time switch mechanism, in combination, a time giving train having a power spring, a winding spindle connected positively to and impelled positively by said power spring, a plurality of ratchet toothed wheels impelled positively by said spindle, a plurality of timers impelled positively in one direction by pawls engaging with said ratchet wheels, trip members having lost motion positive propelling engagement to stop the travel of said timers and to permit continued travel of said time motor.

42. In a timing mechanism including a time movement with its driving spring, in combination, a flow operating control, pawl-'and-ratchet connecting means by which said control is impeilable by said movement, a handle for operating said control and impellable in unison therewith by said time movement, said handle further having connection for winding the driving spring of said time movement, :and said pawl-andratchet connecting meansbeing operable through pressure exerted in one direction upon said handle to disconnect said control from said time movement.

43. In a timing mechanism including a time movement, with its drivingspring, in combination, a flow operatin connecting means by which said control is impellable by said movement, a handle for operating said control and impellable in unison therewith by said time movement, said handle tur ther having connection for winding a driving spring of said movement, and said pawl-andratchet connecting means being operable through pressure exerted in one direction upon said handle to disconnect said control from said'time movement; together with a stop positioned to intercept the movement impelled travel of said handle and thereby cause the latter to exert said pressure to disconnect said control.

44. In a. tiTiing mechanism in combination, a marine movement including its power spring and an oscillating escape mechanism positively onnected thereto by a retarding train, an arbor rotatable in one direction to wind said spring. and immovable in the; opposite direction except through action of said escape mechanism and control, pawl-and-ratchet gear train, a device timing agent having releasable pawl-and-ratchet connection to said arbor to be impelled thereby in variable relation there to, a handle operative to vary the relation of said agent to said arbor, and means whereby said handle winds the power spring of said movement.

45. In combination with a time train, its power spring and a winding arbor therefor, timing mechanism impellable by said spring and including a winding gear turning with said arbor, a timing gear in mesh with said winding gear, a time setting handle having lost motion positive drive connection with said timing gear supplemented by adjustable drive connection thereto within the limits of said lost motion.

46; In combintion with a'time train, its power spring and a winding arbor therefor, a winding gear turning with said winding arbor, a time setting arbor, a timing gear in mesh with said winding gear and having lost motion drive connection with said timing arbor, a timing element having positive lost motion drive connection with said timing arbor and also having selective drive connection to said timing gear, said latter connection being releasable by movement of said timing arbor relative to said timing element.

47. In combination with a time train, its power spring and a winding arbor therefor, timing: mechanism including a time setting handle impellable by positive lost motion connection to said winding arbor, and operative through said connection to wind said spring, and additional drive connection between said handle and said arbon releasable by pressure on said handle opposed to its spring impelled travel.

48. In combination with a time train, its power spring and a winding arbor therefor, timing mechanism including a time setting handle impellable by lost motion connection to said winding arbor, and also operative through said connection to wind said spring, and additional drive connection between said handle and said arbor whereby said handle may-be impelled by said arbor but is not operative to wind said spring.

49. In combination with a time train, its power spring and a winding arbor therefor, timing mechanism impelled by said spring and including a time setting handle and transmission gears additional to the gears of said train whereby said handle is driven by said power spring and may be operated to wind the same.

50. In combination with a time train, its power spring and a winding arbor therefor, timing mechanism including a time setting handle impelled by lost motion connection to said winding arbor and operable to wind said spring and additional connecting means efiecting thepropulsion of said handle by said arbor in variable rotative positions relative thereto.

51. In combination, a time movement having a winding arbor, an escapement train regulating the speed of said arbor to approximately one revolution in six hours, a timing arbor outside said train and impelled by said winding arbor to make approximately one revolution in twelve hours,

- timing mechanism actuated by movement of said timing arbor, and slippable coupling means permitting a backward slippage of said timing mechanism without movement of the train.

52. In a timing mechanism, the combination with a time movement including a main spring and a winding spindle connected to wind said spring when rotated in one direction and connected to retard the action ofsaid spring when rotated in'the opposite direction, of a combined time setting pointer and spring winding handle having positive drive engagement with said spindle in the direction to wind said spring, and I0- tatively displaceable from said drive engagement in the opposite direction to reducethe time setting without unwinding said spring and a flow operating control element impellable by said spring through selectively variable connection to said spindle and connected to be positively impelled by said handle in both directions of rotation.

53. In a timing mechanism, the combination with a time movement including a main spring and a winding spindle connected to wind said spring when rotated in one direction and connected to retard the action of said spring when rotated in the opposite direction,'of a combined time setting pointer and spring winding handle having positive drive engagement with said spindle in the direction to wind said spring and rotatably displaceable from said drive engagement in the opposite direction to reduce the time setting, a device time, and a releasable pawl-andratchet drive connection between said timer and time setting and spring winding means embodying, in combination; a time-graduated dial turnable on a pivot; a time setting device settable in'register with graduations on said dial to determine the time interval before a first action of said timer; connections whereby said device is impellable by said movement independently of the movement of said dial; and a second time setting device also impellable by saidmovement independently of said dial and also settable in register with graduations on said dial to determine the time interval before a second action of said timer and constructed in part as a handle and provided with connections for winding said power spring. I

55. In an interval timing mechanism deriving its time action from the winding spindle of a spring driven movement, a time setting handle connected to rotate said spindle-in a direction to wind the movement spring, a stop to limit the movement of said handle as impelled by said spindle thereby to limit the unwinding of said spring and means affording drive connection acting between said handle and said spindle in variable positions of said handle relative to said spindle intermediate the set position of said spindle and the stop limited position of said handle after the movement spring has been wound and comprising releasable connections causing said handle to be returned to its stop limited position in a length of time proportional to its displacement therefrom.

56. Interval timing mechanism embodying in combination, a time movement including its power spring and winding spindle, a shaft operatively associated with said spindle, a' rotor loose on said shaft and driven by said spindle, a timing cam also loose on said shaft, and a releasable clutch connection between said rotor and said cam whereby the former impels the latter when rotated by the time movement.

5'7. In a double action interval timer including a time movement having a power spring adapted to be wound upon use of the timer, combined time setting and spring winding means embodying, in combination, a time graduated dial,

a pointer operative to determine one interval of time turnable in register with graduations on said dial and a second pointer operative to determine another interval of time also turnable in register with said graduations, both of said pointers being impellable by said movement independently of said dial and having handles for manipulation, and one of said pointers having connections for winding said power spring.

58. In a timing mechanism, in combination, two action timing controls, a separate time setting pointer for positioning each of said controls, a stationary mark to indicate an absolute position of each of said controls, a series of graduations for gauging in common the extent of displacement of each of said controls from said mark, a. member impelled by timing mechanism, and a separate means for coupling each of said controls to said member for being impelled by said member to said mark, said coupling means being releasable by theactuation of said time setting pointer which positions said control.

59. In. combination with a time train, its power .spring and a winding arbor therefor, timing mechanism impelled by said spring and including two time setting handles and two separately movable sets of timing parts operable respectively thereby, a gear positioned between said two sets of timing parts for imparting movement to each thereof, and a second gear in mesh with said first gear and connected with said time train for transmitting the movement of said train to the first said gear.

60; In settable' timing mechanism including a front frame plate; in combination, a central set-. ting shaft protruding through said plate and carrying fixed to rotate therewith both a time control'member back of said plate and a time indicator in front of saidplate, and a setting hub rotatable aboutr said shaft and also protruding through said plate and carrying fixed to rotate therewith a second. time control member in a position intermediate said plate and the first said time control member, and a second time indicator in a position intermediate said plate and the first said timeindicator, together with a rotatable gear concentric with and positioned between said two time control members and powered by timing mechanism and clutch means arranged so that said gear may impel either of said time control members singly or in unison.

61. In a device of the character described, a dial having markings thereon indicating diflerence of time, said dial being mounted to be rotated, an index adjacent to the dial for indicating the markings thereon, an arm mounted to have rotary movement with respect tosaid dtal having a portion indicating the markings thereon, means for making and breaking an electric circuit,ytime controlled means for rotating the said arm includingla spring and winding meanspositively connected therewith, connections between said' arm.-and said making and breaking means, whereby upon the arrival of said arm at a predeter'minedpoint on the dial the said means is caused to close the circuit, a second arm mounted in similar manner to the first arm, connections'between it and the making and breaking means and time controlled means for rotating'it with respect to the dial, the construction and arrangement of said connections being such that on the arrival of said am at a predetermined point on the dialthe said circuit making and breaking means is caused to break the circuit, said means for rotating said arms being a common means. a

62. In the mechanism specified in claim 61, a connection between the said arms whereby movement of one arm may be communicated to the other, said arms having independent movement.

63. In timing mechanism for operating a controlled device, in combination, a time retarded spring-impelled rotor, an actuator for the device, a handle for said actuator and a positive driving connection operable by said handle to couple and uncouple said actuator and said rotor in variable relative positions.

64. In timing mechanism for operating a controlled device, in combination, a time retarded spring-impelled rotor, an actuator for the device, a handle for said actuator and a connection between said rotor and said actuator constructed to transmit positive drive in one direction and to permit slippage in the opposite direction and operable by said handle to couple and uncouple said actuator and said rotor in variable relative positions.

65. In timing mechanism for operating a controlled device, in combination, a time retarded spring-impelled rotor, an actuator for the device, a handle operative through said rotor to wind the rotor spring and also connected to operate said actuator and a positive driving connection operable by said handle to couple and uncouple said actuator and said rotor in variable relative positions.

66. In timing mechanism for operating a controlled device, in combination, a time retarded spring-impelled rotor, an actuator for the device, a handle having lost play connection to said actuator and a ratchet-and-pawl connection operable by movement of said handle relative to said actuator thereby to couple and uncouple said actuator and said rotor in variable relative positions.

67. In an interval timer, in combination, timer impelling mechanism, a timer returnable by said mechanism when displaced from zero position, a second timer returnable by releasable connection to said mechanism when displaced from zero position, and a controlled device arranged to be acted upon by each of said timers at respectively different times during the return of said timers to their zero positions.

68. In a timing mechanism for operating a controlled device, in combinatioma time-retarded spring-impelled rotor, an actuator for the device, a handle for said actuator and a positive drive clutch operable by said handle to couple and uncouple said actuator and said rotor in variable relative positions and a stationary stop also operative upon said clutch to uncouple said actuator from said rotor at a definite position of the actuator. I V

69. In a multiple action timing mechanism, in combination, a time movement, two action-causing members, a device arranged to be caused to operate at respectively different times by each of said members, a connection between said members permitting said members to be adjusted relative to each other by rotative force applied to same, a separate operating handle for applying I said rotative force to each of said members, said 

